ObjectiveTo systematically review the intervention effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on weight loss and blood lipid metabolism in overweight/obese populations. MethodsThe computer conducted searches in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and WanFang Data database to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to HIIT and weight loss, fat reduction, and blood lipid metabolism in overweight/obese populations. The search was conducted from the inception of the databases to March 31, 2023. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening and data extraction. After evaluating the risk of bias of the included studies, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. ResultsA total of 19 RCTs, involving 595 overweight/obese participants, were included. The meta-analysis results showed that compared wtih the control group, HIIT interventions effectively reduced body weight (MD=−2.63, 95%CI −4.04 to −1.23, P<0.05), BMI (MD=−1.21, 95%CI −1.95 to −0.48, P<0.05), Fat% (MD=−1.66, 95%CI −2.28 to −1.04, P<0.05), TG (MD=−0.13, 95%CI −0.25 to −0.01, P=0.04), HDL (MD=0.14, 95%CI 0.05 to 0.23, P<0.05), and LDL (MD=−0.26, 95%CI −0.39 to −0.13, P<0.05) levels but did not improve TC (MD=−0.15, 95%CI −0.36 to 0.06, P=0.15) levels. ConclusionHIIT intervention can effectively improve body weight, BMI, Fat%, TG, HDL, and LDL levels in overweight/obese populations, particularly showing a more pronounced improvement in lipid profiles among overweight/obese adolescents, but it does not reduce TC levels. This study demonstrates that HIIT may be an effective strategy to assist in weight loss and prevent cardiovascular diseases in overweight/obese populations, with potential for broader application.